Question

‘Raikas’ the pastoral community lived in which of the Indian states?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Jharkhand
C. Chhattisgarh
D. Rajasthan

Answer 1

Hint: A pastoral community can be defined as a socially grouped individual whose daily life primarily centered upon the herding of livestock ( herds or flocks). They lead a nomadic life. India is the home of around 34 million pastoralists.

Complete step by step answer:
In India, Pastoralism is seen and practiced in different corners. Geographically, the prevalence of pastoral groups are in the western Indian drylands, the northern Himalayas, Deccan plateau, etc. a diverse set of livestock are herd in India including goats, camels, buffaloes, camels, and many others. In the western part of India, one of the most important pastoral communities is the Raika community. This is the most populous among others in that region. Their presence is observed mostly in Rajasthan and Gujrat. They are also known by the name Rebar. The Maru and Godwar are two groups of the Raikas of the state of Rajasthan. Camels are an indispensable part of the whole community. The people of this community are famously known as ‘camel people’ all over the country. They primarily raise large groups of camels of a significant number of breeds. Their unique rearing tradition is what makes them the most popular pastoral community of India. The vast knowledge they possess about every aspect of camel’s life is praiseworthy. A great section of this community deals with sheep, goats, cattle, and even buffalo. Though the lives of pastorals are always on the move always, the raikas are non-mobile most of the year. They raise small batches of animals from different breeds of around 100 on average.
So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: Raikas community is also found in different parts of Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh in varying proportions. But, the most number of pastors of this community are found to live in parts of Rajasthan.